Match Preview

Orlando come into this one off the back of their 2-1 away loss against Philadelphia Union so will be looking to bounce back here following their first defeat of the campaign.

The Lions sit third in the Eastern Conference and were looking like a strong side until last week’s loss. Fans will be expecting them to mount a strong challenge for the playoffs this season so continuing their strong run of home form is essential.

Orlando are yet to beat New England Revolution, drawing once and losing once in their two meetings last year. However, Adrian Heath will be optimistic they can take all three points this time around.

New England Revolution have had an inconsistent start to the 2016 regular season but are sitting fourth in the East after losing just one game from six so far.

This fixture last season ended in a 2-2 draw and so the Revs will know just how difficult a place the Orlando Citrus Bowl is to visit.

New England come into this one off the back of their 1-1 draw with Toronto last time out. Jay Heaps will be hoping his side can build upon what was a good point last time out and possibly take all three here as they look to climb further up the Eastern Conference.

The Revs will need to tighten up their defence, an issue Heaps will have been addressing, as they have conceded eight goals in their six outings so far.

Team News

Orlando City have four injury concerns. Conor Donovan, Cyle Larin and Tommy Redding are expected to miss out while Cristian Higuita is a doubt. Julio Baptista came on for the final minute last week but will be hoping to make his full debut in front of the home crowd on Sunday.

New England Revolution have just the one injury concern as Darrius Barnes is a doubt heading into this tie.

Key Points

Orlando City’s last five: D/D/W/W/L

New England Revolution’s last five: D/L/D/W/D

Key Stat:Fortress – Orlando are unbeaten in their last nine home outings in Major League Soccer.

Key Player: Kaka – The Orlando captain has netted one in his two appearances this season and there is added pressure on him to provide here in the absence of in-form forward Cyle Larin. Kaka can turn any game in an instant and will hope to perform as he did in Orlando’s excellent 4-1 home win over Portland two weeks ago.

Score Prediction

Orlando City 2-2 New England Revolution – A repeat of last season’s scoreline between these two at Orlando Citrus Bowl could be on the cards. There isn’t much to split them by coming into this tie and we expect it to be that way throughout, although goals are to be expected.